Method and apparatus for curling hair

ABSTRACT

The rope perm apparatus includes a plurality of ropes made from an absorbent material and cut into lengths of approximately 7 to 12 inches. Each rope end has an end tip to reduce fraying of the rope and in some embodiments the end tip is color coded or printed with advertising information. Hair is wrapped around the rope to induce curling and then the rope is tied in a knot to keep it in place during the curling period. In some cases, a curling agent is then applied.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for styling hair and more specifically, for styling hair into soft curls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hair curling is a well know art with many devices, mixtures and processes designed to transform a person from having straight hair to a person having curly hair. Sometimes hair is curled for a short period of time, perhaps a day or two. This is called “party curls.” In this case, the hair is rolled onto a curling rod and, optionally, a liquid is applied to retain the curl, perhaps water or a styling gel. If it is desired to maintain the curl for an extended period of time, perhaps a few months, a different mixture, sometimes referred to as a reducing agent, is applied to the hair after it is rolled onto the curling rods. The most common reducing agents are: Ammonium Thioglycolate (alkaline wave) pH 9.0-10, Glycerylmonothiogrlycolate (acid wave) pH 6.5-8.2, Ammonium Thioglycolate and Hydrogen Peroxide (exothermic wave) pH 8.4-9.0. These mixtures are also referred to as perm solutions or curling lotions.

Most curling operations consist of wrapping an amount of hair or strand around a curling rod and, optionally, applying water, a styling gel or a reducing agent and allowing the hair to stay wrapped for a period of time. The hair is than removed from the curling rod and may be washed, especially if a reducing agent is used.

Curling rods come in many shapes and sizes. For example, there are small size rods that measure 5/16″ in diameter and 3″ in length, medium size rods that measure ⅜″ in diameter and 3″ in length, large size rods that measure ½″ in diameter and 3″ in length and Jumbo size rods measuring ⅝″ in diameter and 3″ in length. Some rods are designed to be lightweight to prevent loosening and breakage of hair. Some have a corkscrew design to produce a true spiral curl. Some have rubber bands in the rod to keep the hair in place. In some, the rubber bands are replaceable. Some rods also have a fastener cap which attaches to the rod. Some rods can be piggy-backed to create longer rods. Some rods are spiral or concaved for creating a looser curl.

Another type of curling procedure uses a rod that is 7 inches in length ×1 cm in diameter. The rod has a heavy duty rubber layer over a bendable plastic insert. They are used by attaching the bottom of your hair to one end and gradually rolling on an angle so hair drapes across the rod, then to hold the hair in place, the rod is bent into a ‘U’ shape. This procedure works best on wet hair or with a perm solution.

For a natural wave pattern, a straight or cylindrical type rod may be used. A straight or cylindrical rod can be wrapped with hair strands the same width from the scalp to the ends, allowing the wrap to be executed in a true croquinole technique and helping to avoid spiraling of the hair. It also prevents bunching of the hair which distorts the wave pattern.

To protect ones face from the harsh chemicals used for reducing agents, an absorbent rope is sometimes tied around the hairline. One example of this rope is CELLUCOTTON® Beauty Coil which comes in 100% cotton or a blend of cotton and rayon for added strength. CELLUCOTTON® comes in professional size boxes and 10 foot bags. This product is designed for protecting ones face and eyes and is not a curling medium.

What is needed is a method and apparatus for curling hair that is easy to use and enables natural wave curls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of this application, the agent or term curling agent refers to any liquid, gel or spray that is applied to the hair to keep it in place, either for a short period of time or for weeks or months. A short term curling agent may be water or styling gel while a long term curling agent may be a reducing agent such as a perm solution.

In one embodiment, a method for curling hair is disclosed, including providing a plurality of curling ropes and for each of the plurality of curling ropes: separating strands of hair from a head of hair; wrapping the strands of hair around one of the plurality of curling ropes; and tying the one of the plurality of curling ropes into a knot.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for curling hair is disclosed including a plurality of curling ropes, each being between 7 and 12 inches long and each having an end tip at both ends.

In another embodiment, a method for curling hair is disclosed including a plurality of cloth curling ropes, each cloth curling rope being from 7 inches to 12 inches in length and having two ends, each of the two ends having an end tip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a curling rope of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a curling rope of the present invention in a knot pattern.

FIG. 3 illustrates a curling rope of the present invention with strands of hair ready to wrap.

FIG. 4 illustrates a curling rope of the present invention with strands of hair wrapped around it.

FIG. 5 illustrates a curling rope of the present invention with strands of hair wrapped around it and the curling rope tied in a knot.

FIG. 6 illustrates multiple curling rope of the present invention with strands of hair wrapped around them and the curling ropes tied in a knot.

FIG. 7 illustrates multiple curling ropes of the present invention with strands of hair wrapped around them and the curling ropes tied in a knot and a reducing agent being applied.

FIG. 8 illustrates a curling rope of the present invention with advertising.

FIG. 9 illustrates a completed style after using the curling rope of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

Referring to FIG. 1, a curling rope 12 of the present invention is shown. The curling rope 12 has two end tips 14. The curling rope 12 is made from a soft, absorbent material, preferably cotton or a cotton blend such as cotton and nylon. Any curling rope material that provides absorbency can be used. The absorbency reduces the amount of perming solution required, keeping it in contact with the hair for a longer period of time for better curling. A material such as a cotton/nylon blend provides curling ropes that conform to the hair, are softer, washable, reusable and more comfortable than prior curling methods. Furthermore, the absorbency reduced runoff onto the head, clothing, etc. For sanitary reasons, the curling rope is washable. In some embodiments, the curling rope is colored and in some embodiments, curling ropes of different lengths or diameters are colored differently to distinguish each size. The curling rope is cut to a length that is long enough to permit hair to be wrapped around it, and short enough to be tied in a single knot without too much excess hanging out of the knot, preferably 7 to 12 inches. The end tips 14 are provided to reduce fraying and in some cases to provide color coding or advertisement. In this embodiment, the end tips 14 are made from a flexible rubberized dip. In other embodiments, other materials are used to cover the ends of the curling rope 12 such as wax, paint, glue, metal, acetate tape such as used as end tips for shoe laces and the like. An example of a flexible rubberized dip is “Pasti-Dip” from Performix. In some embodiments, the ropes 12 are made in various diameters such as ½ inch, 1 inch and 1-½ inch. In some embodiments where the ropes 12 are made in various diameters, the end tips 14 are color coded so as to differentiate between the different diameters. In some embodiments, advertisements, logos and/or the manufacturer's name are printed or branded on the end tips 14.

Referring to FIG. 2, a curling rope 12 of the present invention in a knot pattern is shown. This shows how the curling rope 12 with end tips 14 can be easily formed into a knot.

Referring to FIG. 3, a curling rope 12 of the present invention with strands of hair 16 ready to wrap is shown. This figure shows a first step in the curling process, where strands of hair 16 are sectioned together and are ready to wrap around a curling rope 12 with end tips 14.

Referring to FIG. 4, a curling rope 12 of the present invention with strands of hair 16 wrapped around it is shown. In this step of the curling process, the strands of hair 16 are wrapped around the curling rope 12 with end tips 14.

Referring to FIG. 5, a curling rope 12 of the present invention with strands of hair wrapped around it and the curling rope tied in a knot is shown. In this step of the process, the stands of hair 16 are already wrapped around the curling rope 12 with end tips 14 and the curling rope 12 is tied into a knot.

Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, multiple curling ropes 12 of the present invention with strands of hair wrapped around them and the curling ropes tied in a knot is shown. In this step of the process, multiple curling ropes 12 are wrapped with strands of hair 16 and each curling rope 12 is tied in a knot. In some embodiments, an agent 18 may be applied to the wrapped strands of hair 16 to increase the longevity of the resulting curls. One possible agent 18 is water, resulting in a shorter longevity. Another possible agent 18 is a hair styling gel or hair spray, resulting in a slightly longer longevity. For an increased longevity, possibly lasting for months, a reducing agent 18 may be applied to the wrapped strands of hair. The most common reducing agents 18 are: Ammonium Thioglycolate (alkaline wave) pH 9.0-10, Glycerylmonothiogrlycolate (acid wave) pH 6.5-8.2, Ammonium Thioglycolate and Hydrogen Peroxide (exothermic wave). These reducing agents 18 are sometimes called a perm solution or curling lotion.

Referring to FIG. 8, a curling rope 12 of the present invention is shown. The curling rope 12 has two end tips 14. In this embodiment, the end tips 14 include advertising material 20 such as a manufacturer's name, a logo or a salon's name. In some embodiments, the advertising 20 is printed on the end tip, and in some embodiments, it is printed around the edge. In some embodiments, printing is done by an ink method and in some embodiments; printing is done by branding the end tips.

Referring to FIG. 9, a completed style after using the curling rope of the present invention is shown. The hair 30 is now curled.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially same manner in the same way for achieving substantially the same result.

It is believed that the system and method of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes. 

1. A method for curling hair, the method comprising: providing a plurality of curling ropes; and for each curling rope in the plurality of curling ropes: separating strands of hair from a head of hair; wrapping the strands of hair around the each curling rope; and tying the each curling rope into a knot.
 2. The method for curling hair of claim 1, further comprising: applying a curling agent to the strands of hair wrapped around the plurality of curling ropes.
 3. The method for curling hair of claim 1, wherein the plurality of curling ropes are from 7 to 12 inches in length.
 4. The method for curling hair of claim 1, wherein the plurality of curling ropes are made from a cloth material containing cotton.
 5. The method for curling hair of claim 1, wherein each one of the plurality of curling ropes has an end tip at each end.
 6. The method for curling hair of claim 5, wherein the end tips are made from a flexible rubber dip.
 7. The method for curling hair of claim 5, wherein advertising is printed on the end tips.
 8. The method for curling hair of claim 5, wherein the plurality of curling ropes comprise curling ropes of at least two different diameters and whereas the end tips are color coded to distinguish the at least two different diameters.
 9. The method for curling hair of claim 1, wherein the plurality of curling ropes comprise curling ropes of at least two different diameters and whereas the plurality of curling ropes are colored in at least two colors so as to distinguish the at least two different diameters.
 10. An apparatus for curling hair, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of curling ropes, the curling ropes being between 7 and 12 inches long, the curling ropes having an end tip at each end.
 11. The apparatus for curling hair of claim 10, wherein the end tips are made from a flexible rubber dip.
 12. The apparatus for curling hair of claim 10, wherein the end tips are printed with advertising information.
 13. The apparatus for curling hair of claim 10, wherein the plurality of curling ropes comprise curling ropes of at least two different diameters and whereas the end tips are color coded to distinguish the at least two different diameters.
 14. The apparatus for curling hair of claim 10, wherein the plurality of curling ropes is made from a cotton blend.
 15. The apparatus for curling hair of claim 10, wherein the plurality of curling ropes comprise curling ropes of at least two different lengths and whereas the plurality of curling ropes are colored in at least two colors so as to distinguish the at least two different lengths.
 16. An apparatus for curling hair, comprising: a plurality of cloth curling ropes, each cloth curling rope of said plurality of cloth curling ropes being from 7 inches to 12 inches in length, each cloth curling rope of said plurality of cloth curling ropes having two ends, each of said two ends having an end tip.
 17. The apparatus for curling hair of claim 16, wherein said end tip includes advertising.
 18. The apparatus for curling hair of claim 16, wherein said plurality of cloth curling ropes include at least two lengths and said plurality of cloth curling ropes are color coded to distinguish between each of said at least two lengths.
 19. The apparatus for curling hair of claim 16, wherein said plurality of cloth curling ropes is made from a material containing cotton fibers.
 20. The apparatus for curling hair of claim 16, wherein said plurality of cloth curling ropes include at least two diameter ropes and said end tip is color coded to distinguish between each of said at least two diameter ropes. 